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The risks vs benefits of fluoride

From a young age, most of us are taught to brush, floss and swish. But some groups are speaking out against using fluoride, despite its proven benefits.

Critics of fluoride say the formula lowers IQ and can cause things like anemia, Alzheimer’s and acne to develop. Others believe fluoride is meant to help the sugar industry, claiming it encourages people to eat more candy because it fights cavities.

The criticism has gained so much steam that dozens of cities around the country have taken it out of their water.

However, dental health experts say that any negative health effects from fluoride are extremely rare. Additionally, they say by putting fluoride in water, drinkers are likely getting some health benefits that we would otherwise not.